Lt. Gov Jerry Abramson presented a draft of Governor Steve Beshear's proposed tax code changes to the House budget committee today, which was first announced by Beshear last week. The changes, if fully implemented, could raise an estimated $210 million annually by expanding the 6% sales tax to select services, an increased tax on cigarettes from 60 cents to $1 dollar per pack, and reducing tax breaks on pensions for people earning more than $80,000. On Sounds Good, Kate speaks with policy analyst and member of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Committee on tax reform, Jason Bailey about the events of the day.

MSU's Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business presents an economic development conference next Tuesday, December 10 in the Curris Center. The College's dean, Dr. Tim Todd, visits Kate Lochte on Sounds Good with more information about the day long focus on "The Future of West Kentucky," including a keynote address by Kentucky Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson.

Hopkins County 7th and 8th graders are getting an education in renewable energies as part of the state sponsored "Career Craze" program.

Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson kicked off the event at Madisonville Community College today. Abramson urged the students to start preparing for college early and highlighted the importance of the state community college system.

Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor says he won’t run for Governor in 2015. Kentucky Public Radio's Lisa Autry reports that Jerry Abramson made his comments this morning to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club. Abramson says the decision has nothing to do with his wife's breast cancer diagnosis, and that he wants to focus his energy on helping improve the state's education system.

Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson says he may announce his intentions regarding a run for Governor before or shortly after the August 3rd Fancy Farm Picnic. Jerry Abramson has served as Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor since 2012 and previously served as Louisville Mayor for 21 years.

Abramson is one of a number of democrats discussing a run for the office including term limited Attorney General Jack Conway and former State Auditor Crit Luallen.

Abramson said current polls show he could win a race for Governor, but he’s undecided on whether or not to run.

In just over a month, lawmakers are back in Frankfort for a special session on new boundaries for Kentucky’s legislative districts. But, there are no plans yet to resolve another issue facing the state.

It’s often called real tax reform or comprehensive tax reform. And it’s been on Frankfort’s radar screen for years. Despite numerous proposals, no substantial change in tax policy has come under serious consideration at the statehouse. Gov. Beshear says Kentucky needs a ‘modern tax system’ responsive to a 21st century economy. But, he admits, politicians would rather avoid the topic.

Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor says the Commonwealth has already cut $1.6 billion in government spending in the past five years, and without revenue growth and tax reform another $1 billion may need to be cut by 2020.

In a speech to the Paducah Rotary Club Wednesday the Lieutenant Governor explained the Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform’s mission, and some of the recommendations. One of the commission’s proposed reforms suggests lowering the pension exemption rate from $41,000 to $30,000.

As Frankfort Bureau Chief Kenny Colston reported, Republican Agriculture Commissioner James Comer scolded Abramson for his comments and skipping the event. He also scored some political points by highlighting that the lieutenant governor is the former mayor of Louisville.

On his Facebook page, Comer wrote: "The border of (Kentucky) extends far beyond the city limits of Louisville, something the Lt. Gov. will hopefully realize before the end of his term!"

But two years ago, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who is from Bowling Green, criticized Fancy Farm when he told Fox New's Sean Hannity that he worried the onlookers would shower him with beer. And his northern Kentucky predecessor—former Sen. Jim Bunning—threatened to boycott Fancy Farm after complaining about how elected leaders were treated.